(by Tashiya Piyadasa)

Winning a competition can be an incredibly rewarding experience, especially when it’s a sport that you’re passionate about. This year I participated in 2 WTT Youth events and, winning 3rd place in the U13 Girls Individual category at the WTT in Sweden was a huge accomplishment for me. This was my second time competing in a WTT tournament. I faced tough competition but was able to make my way to the semifinals. In the SF, I had to compete against the toughest players in the event, member of Team Japan. I gave a good fight but had to settle down with a loss to Japan 3-1. In addition, I also advanced to the top 16 in the U15 event, and again lost to Japan, this time 3-0. Competing in a tournament is not just about winning or losing, it’s also about gaining valuable experience. I was able to gain a ton of experience by competing against top players from all over the world. I gained a lot of experience from this tournament and for sure this will help in my development as a player. I also learned from my opponents as well and will use this knowledge to become an even better player in the future. My success could not have been possible without the support of sponsors, Orange County table Tennis Academy (OCTTA) and Bowmar Sports. Their sponsorship allowed me to participate in the tournament and pursue my passion for table tennis. Without your support, I may not have had the opportunity to compete at such a high level. I am so grateful for your support and thank you for this great opportunity.